Please be aware that if you are 11 or older and enter either practice you will be expected to wear a face covering of some sort. This is both for clinical appointments and to collect medication. This is not just the patient, but applies to anyone coming in – a Carer, Parent, a Child – whoever is entering.
A face covering does not need to be complicated nor expensive and could simply be a scarf tied around your face. The Government has issued instructions of how to make your own, which can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering
We are aware that some patients do not need to wear a face covering if they have a good reason not to. This includes:
- disability, learning disability or if you are autistic
- lung and breathing conditions
- physical or mental illness
- severe distress
- supporting someone who uses lip reading
- escaping harm or injury
If you are exempt from wearing a face covering for any of these reasons, we would encourage you to carry an exemption card, which are available from the government website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
Coronavirus Antibody Testing
We have recently received many enquiries regarding coronavirus antibody testing. It is important to understand that, at the moment, there are very limited situations where this test is considered useful to individuals, rather than as information for Public Health.
In particular it is important to understand that a positive antibody test does NOT necessarily mean you are immune to the virus, and does NOT mean you do not need to follow protective measures such as social distancing. It is also NOT currently considered suitable for occupational health purposes.
Because of this we will not be testing people unless a GP feels it will alter their ongoing management.
Thank you for your understanding.
Oxford Health NHS Trust launches helpline for children and young people during the Coronavirus outbreak
A children and young people’s mental health helpline has been launched in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. The helpline will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Anyone concerned about a child or young person’s mental health (or the child or young person themselves) can phone the helpline and speak to mental health experts who will provide advice, guidance and support over the telephone. The helpline should not be used for situations which are life threatening (when emergency services should be notified by phoning 999). The helpline will also help to reduce pressure on NHS 111, who are having to manage an increasing number of Covid-related calls.
The children’s mental health helpline in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire is being launched by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, which runs local children’s mental health services. In Swindon, during the day on weekdays the helpline is provided by Swindon Borough Council.
Donan Kelly, Service Director for Mental Health for Oxon and Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire said: “When children and young people need non-emergency mental health care, support or advice they should call the 24/7 Children’s Mental Health Helpline”.
“Our clinicians will be able to provide the help and support to direct people to the most appropriate service. We will also be able to signpost children and young people’s to resources they can access by themselves to maintain good mental wellbeing, as well as working closely with local voluntary sector organisations”.
How to contact the children’s mental health helpline
| What time is it? | The number to phone: |
| 09:00 – 17:00 on a weekday | 01865 903777 |
| 17:00 – 09:00 on a weekday or on weekends | 01865 901000 |
| Other useful sources of support in your area: | https://www.onyourmind.org.uk/ |
Please can also go on our website to access some helpful resources we have compiled to support children and young people experiencing worries about coronavirus: www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk.
If you are over 18, a mental health helpline for adults in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire has been set-up by Avon and Wiltshire Partnership. The number is 0300 3031320 and more information can be found here: www.awp.nhs.uk.
Take care of your mental health
There are things you can do to look after your mental health during this period:
- Stay connected with family and friends by phone, video call or social media
- Talk about your concerns – sharing your worries and fears can help you feel less anxious
- Support others – helping someone else can make you feel good, but remember to stick to the social distancing guidelines
- Be prepared – make sure you have the things you need to be able to stay at home and how you might get help if you need it
- Look after yourself – try to eat healthily, drink plenty of water, avoid smoking and drugs and try not to drink too much alcohol
- Get some exercise – you can leave the house, alone or with members of your household, for one form of exercise a day, like walking running or cycling. You must keep a safe 2-metre distance from others. Or you could try a home workout.
- Stick to the facts – find credible sources of information you can trust – such as UK or the NHS website. You might also want to consider limiting the time you spend watching, reading or listening to coverage of the outbreak, including on social media
- Stay on top of difficult feelings – try to focus on the things you can control, such as your behaviour, who you speak to, and where and how often you get information
- Do things you enjoy – this will help take your mind off your worries
- Focus on the present – rather than worrying about the future try to focus on the present and try relaxation techniques to help with anxiety
- Get a good night’s sleep – sleeping well can help with how we feel mentally and physically, so it is important to get enough
For more information visit 10 tips to help if you are worried about Coronavirus.
COVID-19 – Appointments
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic KAMP are no longer offering automatic face to face appointments at either site.
For the foreseeable future, anyone asking to make an appointment with a doctor will be given a day and time and this will be a telephone appointment only. All non-essential face to face appointments already made will be cancelled.
During the telephone appointment the doctor will do whatever is required to enable the patient to stay at home and only if absolutely necessary, arrange to bring the patient in, to avoid risk.
Thank you for your co-operation and understanding during these exceptional times.